UAE Seeks Closer AI, Tech Ties in Biden Talks as China Interest Stirs US Concern
Summary
President Joe Biden is set to host UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss the Gulf nation’s aspirations in artificial intelligence amid US concerns over increasing Chinese influence. The UAE aims to deepen its technological collaboration with the US, exemplified by G42’s $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft. As the UAE invests billions into developing its AI sector to maintain global competitiveness, the partnership’s potential to influence regional geopolitics is emphasized.
On Monday, President Joe Biden will engage in discussions with the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the Gulf nation’s aspirations in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology. This meeting occurs amid rising concerns from the United States about China’s increasing influence in the region. The UAE, a significant oil-rich nation and a trusted ally to the US, seeks enhanced access to American technological advancements to foster its burgeoning tech industry. The UAE’s G42, a government-backed technology firm, has recently attracted a substantial $1.5 billion investment from Microsoft and has entered partnerships with major tech companies such as Nvidia, employing cutting-edge supercomputing technology provided by Cerebras Systems. However, the US government has expressed apprehensions about the UAE’s deepening ties with China, prompting restrictions on some American technology exports to the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries to prevent potential transfers of technology to Beijing. In response to US apprehensions, G42 has begun the process of removing Chinese hardware and divesting from Chinese investments in order to strengthen ties with American companies. Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic adviser to the UAE President, emphasized the necessity of leveraging technological innovations, stating, “We cannot let this sort of wave of technological breakthroughs pass by us and not be somehow in partnership with it.” This historic visit marks the first time a UAE president will convene at the White House, although Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, has previously met with Presidents Obama and Trump. The agenda for the meeting includes discussions on deepening cooperation in advanced technology, space exploration, and investments. The UAE government is investing billions into AI technologies, intending to position itself as a crucial player in the global tech landscape, even as oil demand wanes. Faisal Al Bannai, advisor on strategic research and advanced technology to Sheikh Mohamed, insisted on the UAE’s readiness to develop independent AI capabilities, asserting, “We are in a position to be a pivotal country in this new information and technology age.” UAE officials stress the importance of maintaining control over their AI developments to ensure reliability and security in technological operations. Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Omar Sultan Al Olama acknowledged the need for stronger engagement with the US, highlighting that the UAE is committed to pursuing its technological ambitions transparently and collaboratively. Conversely, China views the UAE as a long-term partner in technology, with President Xi Jinping urging stronger AI collaboration during Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Beijing. Chinese AI companies, despite US sanctions, are also undertaking projects within the UAE, indicating a bid for expanded influence in the region. Despite the US government’s reservations concerning the UAE’s interactions with China, there is recognition of the UAE’s financial capacity to significantly contribute to AI research and development, as expressed by Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman, who commented on the UAE’s potential to attain global leadership in AI.
The article discusses the growing technological collaboration between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, particularly focusing on advancements in artificial intelligence. The UAE seeks to strengthen its position in global tech amid concerns over its relationship with China, prompting the US to foster closer ties with the UAE for both economic and security reasons. This development incorporates significant financial investments from leading American tech companies and the implications of the UAE’s tech ambitions in the context of international relations.
In summary, the upcoming meeting between President Biden and the UAE President represents a pivotal moment in US-UAE relations, particularly concerning technology and artificial intelligence. The UAE demonstrates a proactive stance towards technological advancement while navigating complex geopolitical challenges associated with its ties to China. The engagement aims to solidify the UAE’s position in the tech landscape, ensuring its independence and fostering lasting collaboration with American firms.
Original Source: english.alarabiya.net
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